AKL v BWI- what would you do?

[got15]

Hey Dis Friends! We are currently booked for our November celebration month at AKL w/ a Savannah view room with the DXDP during Free Dining. It is our 10 year anniversary, my 40th birthday, and my DS (soon to be)7th Birthday- so lots to celebrate. I have the opportunity to switch to BWI CL (Standard) for around $300 more. I can't say that i have ever been intrigued by either resort (most esp. BWI- largely due to the clown pool) and AKL (Due to the small rooms and distance from MK). But- BWI gets a LOT of great reviews on here and also is in a terrific location. We have never stayed at an Epcot resort (we thought the monorail resorts best w/ a 2 year old). So- what would you do?

 

[gzmtlock]

Tough choice! Having done both, I don't think you can go wrong either way. That said, some random thoughts to share:

If your kids may be afraid of the clown, I'd stick with AKL. The quiet pools at BWI are good for older kids, but not so much for toddlers/pre-schoolers.

DxDDP is a LOT of food. AKL has much more limited restaurant options than the Boardwalk/Epcot area. If you don't have a car, travel for meals to somewhere other than AKL could be bothersome.

Why CL, on top of DxDDP? Unless you will really use the lounge a lot, I don't see what advantages CL will give you for the extra cost. We've never been able to use all our credits on DxDDP; I can't imagine adding lounge food on top of that! I love CL sometimes, and I love DxDDP sometimes, but wouldn't ever do both on the same trip.

Have fun deciding!

 

[hakepb]

AKL Savannah view is a very unique experience. If your son is interested in seeing the animals, it's a great age for him to enjoy the view!

If you just use the room to crash, and won't have various times to enjoy the view, then AKL may not be for you. (There is not always a giraffe outside your room, some times have no animals in view)

While I may not want to stay at AKL every trip, I am very, very glad I have stayed there, and I am sure I will eventually return.

 

[got15]

Tough choice! Having done both, I don't think you can go wrong either way. That said, some random thoughts to share:

If your kids may be afraid of the clown, I'd stick with AKL. The quiet pools at BWI are good for older kids, but not so much for toddlers/pre-schoolers.

DxDDP is a LOT of food. AKL has much more limited restaurant options than the Boardwalk/Epcot area. If you don't have a car, travel for meals to somewhere other than AKL could be bothersome.

Why CL, on top of DxDDP? Unless you will really use the lounge a lot, I don't see what advantages CL will give you for the extra cost. We've never been able to use all our credits on DxDDP; I can't imagine adding lounge food on top of that! I love CL sometimes, and I love DxDDP sometimes, but wouldn't ever do both on the same trip.

Have fun deciding!

Thank you. With CL- we would most likely not do the DxDP but the regular DP. We will have a car and while i think my kids would LOVE the clown- my husband is a little creeped out.

 

[hakepb]

Thank you. With CL- we would most likely not do the DxDP but the regular DP. We will have a car and while i think my kids would LOVE the clown- my husband is a little creeped out.

With the regular DDP at BWI, the DDP QS selection is very minimal. There are some decent sandwiches at the Bakery that I enjoyed, but the rest of the family didn't care for them.

It's a fairly easy walk to the great selection in World Showcase if you don't mind leaving the resort.

At AKL, Mara has a more conventional, something for everyone menu.

 

[anonymousegirl]

If you have never stayed at AKL savannah view, then that is what I would do. I did it once,a dn a PP is correct, the animals aren't always right there. But I loved the night time activities, like storytelling, and the night view binoculars. What I don't like is that it is a long drive or bus ride to any park except AK.

 

[Dizjunkieee]

Hey Dis Friends! We are currently booked for our November celebration month at AKL w/ a Savannah view room with the DXDP during Free Dining. It is our 10 year anniversary, my 40th birthday, and my DS (soon to be)7th Birthday- so lots to celebrate. I have the opportunity to switch to BWI CL (Standard) for around $300 more. I can't say that i have ever been intrigued by either resort (most esp. BWI- largely due to the clown pool) and AKL (Due to the small rooms and distance from MK). But- BWI gets a LOT of great reviews on here and also is in a terrific location. We have never stayed at an Epcot resort (we thought the monorail resorts best w/ a 2 year old). So- what would you do?

Tough call indeed! I just returned from a split stay last month spending 4 nights at BWI, followed by three nights at AKL in a Savannah view room and LOVED both resorts for entirely different reasons. The location of BWI really can't be beat & if you will be there during F&W that would be an even bigger reason to stay at BWI. AKL is just so incredibly beautiful and peaceful though & personally, I never found any of the bus rides to feel super long. MK is about a 20-25 minute ride, which seems reasonable to me. With the free dining, I am guessing it may be tougher, but have you considered a split stay? I have done that on several trips and Disney makes it super easy to transfer. Just a thought. In any case, as pp said, I don't think you can go wrong with either location. Have fun planning!